In December 2025, the Department of Home Affairs released an internal May 2025 minute under Freedom of Information, discussing how SkillSelect invitation rounds might be managed for the 2025–26 program year.

This document is not a formal policy change, and it does not amend migration law. However, from a practitioner’s perspective, it is highly relevant — because it explains, in plain operational terms, how subclass 189 invitations are being prioritised behind the scenes.

 

Subclass 189 Is Still a Points Test

 

A common misunderstanding we see is the belief that the 189 visa is purely mechanical: highest points, first invited. In practice, that has not been true for some time and the May 2025 minute confirms why.

The Department is clearly treating subclass 189 as a planning tool, not just a ranking exercise. Invitations are still issued through SkillSelect, but they are being managed with:

  • occupation ceilings
  • internal priority groupings
  • coordination with state and employer-sponsored visas

In other words, points decide who is competitive within an occupation — not which occupations are prioritised overall.

 

The Occupation Tier System: What It Actually Does

 

The new framework introduces a tiered system to prioritise occupations. High‑priority roles will receive invitations more consistently, while oversupplied occupations will be slowed to keep the program balanced. Think of the tiers as an internal ordering system the Department uses when invitation numbers are limited.

Each occupation will also have a ceiling, calculated using the average number of people already working in that field, with different multipliers applied depending on the tier. This helps ensure the 189 program remains targeted and responsive to real workforce needs.

 

 

Tier 1 and Tier 2: Structural Priority

These tiers are dominated by:

  • medical and allied health roles,
  • nurses and midwives,
  • teachers and care-related professions.

Applicants in these occupations tend to be invited:

  • more consistently,
  • sometimes at lower points thresholds,
  • because the Department wants to ensure ongoing intake regardless of overall program pressure.

This does not mean automatic invitations. It means these occupations are less likely to be crowded out when invitation numbers are tight.

 

Tier 3: Where Most 189 Applicants Sit

Tier 3 covers a very wide range of occupations:

  • engineers,
  • trades,
  • architects,
  • scientists,
  • legal and technical professionals.

This is the most competitive space.

Invitations here are genuinely points-driven — but only within the limits of occupation ceilings. Once enough places are effectively taken by other streams (state nomination or employer sponsorship), fewer 189 invitations may be issued for that occupation in a given round.

This is why two applicants with the same points, in different occupations, can have very different outcomes.

 

Tier 4: Oversupplied Occupations

Tier 4 includes occupations where supply significantly exceeds current demand. Applicants in these roles should pay close attention to their migration pathways, as 189 invitations are expected to be limited and highly competitive.

  • 221111 Accountant (General)
  • 221112 Management Accountant
  • 221113 Taxation Accountant
  • 221213 External Auditor
  • 221214 Internal Auditor
  • 261111 ICT Business Analyst
  • 261112 Systems Analyst
  • 261211 Multimedia Specialist
  • 261311 Analyst Programmer
  • 261312 Developer Programmer
  • 261313 Software Engineer
  • 261399 Software and Applications Programmers (nec)
  • 262112 ICT Security Specialist
  • 263111 Computer Network and Systems Engineer
  • 263311 Telecommunications Engineer
  • 263312 Telecommunications Network Engineer
  • 313211 Radio Communications Technician
  • 313212 Telecommunications Field Engineer
  • 313213 Telecommunications Network Planner
  • 313214 Telecommunications Technical Officer / Technologist
  • 351311 Chef

 

What This Means for You as a 189 Applicant

 

From our point of view, the message is not “give up on 189”. The message is plan properly. Here is how we are advising clients in light of this framework.

 

1. Points Still Matter — But Only After Occupation Context

High points are essential, but they do not override occupation ceilings. You need to understand how competitive your points are within your occupation, not just in the abstract.

 

2. Timing and Readiness Matter More With Regular Rounds

The proposal supports more regular (likely quarterly) 189 invitation rounds.
That benefits applicants who:

  • already have skills assessments,
  • accurate EOIs,
  • and no unresolved documentation issues.

Late or rushed EOIs are less likely to benefit from predictable rounds.

 

3. Oversupplied Occupations Need Broader Pathway Planning

For occupations sitting in the oversupplied tier, relying solely on a 189 invitation often leads to long periods of uncertainty. The points threshold can stay high, and invitation rounds may be limited.

In these situations, we usually encourage clients to look at a broader strategy, such as exploring state nomination pathways or considering employer sponsorship. A diversified plan often leads to faster, more predictable outcomes.

Contact Southern Stone Migration Now

 

Our Advice Going Forward

 

For anyone looking at the subclass 189 visa, the biggest mistake we see is treating it as a waiting game.

What this FOI release makes clear is that invitations are being managed deliberately. In practice, the applicants who do well are those who:

  • know where their occupation sits,
  • understand how competitive their points really are,
  • and have everything ready before an invitation round opens.

Strong migration outcomes don’t happen by chance. They come from knowing your position, planning ahead, and making decisions based on reality rather than hope. With the right preparation, the pathway forward becomes much clearer.

Contact Southern Stone Migration Now